An experimental study of RC pile encased by precast RC blocks for developing integrated precast breakwater system

Abstract

The structural performance of RC pile encased by other precast RC blocks were investigated by conducting experiments on flexure and direct shear for developing Integrated Precast Breakwater System (IPBS). From the flexural tests, the flexural capacity of RC pile constrained by other RC blocks was designed using the conventional flexure theory, such as ACI 318, with introduction of a few assumptions which are different from the actual conditions. The direct shear strength of the RC pile at the weak point, which is the interfaces between the RC blocks, could be also estimated conservatively using equations of dowel action from fib Model Code 2010 with large margin of safety. However, further studies related to the contribution of concrete before and after cracks on the dowel action of RC pile are necessary for optimal designs.